Kirsty Mitchell, senior associate, HOK Sports
Stadium design presents numerous exciting opportunities for
the future. Stadia are no longer a one-stop shop and must cater
to several sports, events and functions, often with very short
turnaround times between uses. The adaptability and flexibility
of stadia to provide these multi-use facilities requires the latest
innovations to ensure the numerous needs of stakeholders can
be met year-round. When in use, arenas and stadia are the most
atmospheric and vibrant places in their region, however, at other
times they remain empty. Little Caesars Arena in Detroit is leading
the way in multiple use venue design by engaging the community
and utilizing the space fully. This is done through destination
dining, retail and office space that opens to the street and into the
arena as well as housing a community ice rink.
Aside from practical uses, fans are increasingly seeking
immersive experiences so the importance of incorporating
technology such as Wi-Fi as well as cutting-edge technologies
such as AR, has never been higher. Introducing experiences such
as a Topgolf Swing Suite and a barbershop into the State Farm
Arena in Atlanta, in addition to elevated food and beverage
experiences extend fan experience beyond game time and keep
the public engaged in different activities, within the ground, for
longer. Encouraging fans to turn up for games early and leave later
means they spend more time at the venue and associate the
experience with more than just live events.
An increasingly important consideration with design is
sustainability and the importance of striving to achieve ‘net zero’
emissions. Taking environmental responsibility and prioritizing
building sustainability is essential for any venue going forward,
regardless of the type, size or scale. We’ve shown this can be done
through ideas such as energy efficient, lightweight ‘roof petals’
to enhance daylighting (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) or through
shading features to reduce U-values in the building envelope
(Yas Arena). Innovative and technologically-forward designs like
these can positively impact the venue’s brand and surrounding
areas, as well as deliver social, environmental and economic value
to regions.
However, as we continually push the boundaries in venue
design, we must always remember to get the basics right. Security
measures should be thorough but non-intrusive, access and egress
must be smooth and seamless, queues and service times
minimized, food and beverage choices should be varied and
reasonably priced and comfortable spaces provided for fans to
socialize and connect. The live event will continue to excite
people, with creative designs that puts the fan experience first,
venues will continue to elevate satisfaction levels and a desire
to return to the venue again.
64 www.stadia-magazine.com Showcase 2020 ARCHITECTURE
“Taking environmental responsibility and prioritizing.
building sustainability is essential for any venue going.
forward, regardless of the type, size or scale”.
Kirsty Mitchell
Little Caesars Arena
engages its community
with food and retail
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